It's normal for kids to get scrapes and cuts on the
playground, but they must be protected from sharp and dangerous
items around and outside the home.
Here are some important ways to protect kids from injuries from
sharp household objects:
- Keep knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp utensils in a
drawer with a safety latch.
- Keep glass objects, such as drinking glasses and bowls, in a
high cabinet far from reach.
- Make sure that mirrors are snugly attached to the wall.
- Keep paper shredders out of the reach of small children.
- Store appliances with sharp blades (like blenders or food
processors) far from reach or in a locked cabinet.
- Keep babies and toddlers a safe distance away when you load
and unload the dishwasher to prevent them from grabbing sharp
utensils or glassware that could break. (You might want to use a
dishwasher lock at other times.)
- If possible, keep the kitchen garbage can behind a cabinet
door with a safety latch.
- If you use a razor to shave, keep it in a locked cabinet in
the bathroom. Be sure extra blades are stored in a safe place,
along with nail scissors and other sharp personal or grooming
instruments.
- Store all tools, including those used for gardening,
automotive, and lawn care, in locked containers.
- If you recycle glass and metal in your home, keep the
recycling containers far from reach to prevent cuts and possible
poisoning from substances still left in containers.
- Make sure swing-set and outdoor play equipment is free of
rust, splinters, and sharp edges.
Be Prepared
If you're expecting a baby or you already have a child,
it's a good idea to:
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich
maneuver.
- Keep the following numbers near the phone (for yourself and
caregivers):
- toll-free poison-control number
- child's doctor's number
- parents' work and cell phone numbers
- neighbor's or nearby relative's number (if you need
someone to watch other children in an emergency)
- Make a first-aid kit and keep emergency instructions
inside.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Maintaining a Safe, Kid-Friendly Environment
To check your childproofing efforts, get down on your hands and
knees in every room of your home to see things from a child's
perspective. Be aware of your child's surroundings and what
might be potentially dangerous.
Completely childproofing your home can be difficult. If you
can't childproof the entire house, you can shut the doors (and
install doorknob covers) to any room a child shouldn't enter to
prevent wandering into places that haven't been properly
childproofed. For sliding doors, doorknob covers and childproof
locks are also great for keeping little ones from leaving your
home. Of course, how much or how little you childproof your home is
up to you. Supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids
from getting injured. However, even the most vigilant parent
can't keep a child 100% safe at all times.
Whether you have a baby, toddler, or school-age child, your home
should be a haven where your little one can explore safely.
After all, touching, holding, climbing, and exploring are the
activities that develop your child's body and mind.
Reviewed by:
Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.